Virat Kohli's 100th Test to be played behind closed doors in Mohali: Fans slam BCCI for not allowing spectators

After the Punjab Cricket Association officials confirmed that spectators will be barred from the stadium in Mohali for Virat Kohli's 100th Test, a section of fans have questioned the BCCI over the call.

Virat Kohli has been rested for the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka but the former captain will return for the upcoming 2-Test series in March. Kohli will be playing his 100th Test when India take on Sri Lanka at the PCA Stadium in Mohali from March 5. There is a lot of expectations about the star batter's milestone match but the decision to not have crowd at the PCA Stadium has not gone down well with a section of cricket fans.

PCA treasurer RP Singla on Saturday confirmed that fans won't be allowed to watch the first Test against Sri Lanka from the iconic stadium in Mohali. Singla said the decision has been taken in accordance with a directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

"Yes, apart from the people, who are on duty for the Test match, we are not allowing any general spectators as per the directive of BCCI," Singla told news agency PTI.

“Still there are fresh COVID cases emerging in and around Mohali, so it’s better we take all safety protocols. Obviously, the fans miss out because an international match at Mohali is happening after almost three years,"

While the decision to not allow fans to curb the risk of Covid-19 infection has been the norm in the recent past, fans have questioned it, citing that the ongoing T20I series is being played with spectators in Dharamsala. Notably, Ahmedabad did not allow crowd for the ODI series against West Indies earlier this month but the Eden Gardens in Kolkata had fans, albeit in reduced capacity for the final match of the series.

Meanwhile, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru that will host the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka also confirmed 50 percent capacity.

It’s a pity Virat Kohli’s 100th Test won’t have any crowd to cheer one of his biggest cricketing days. Maybe some percentage should have been let in during the Tests @BCCI